28.6.11

On Midsummer's night the longest day of the year- The town of Poznan in Poland, not far from where my father was born, set the World Record last week for the most lanterns released on this day-
With the music playing in the background and the beauty of the glow it is quite a spectacular sight to see.

27.6.11

It is no surprise that I am passionate about graffiti art. I take photographs anywhere I can- click to see my photos of graffiti art in Venice Beach, San Francisco, Prague and Vienna- I found these books that gives us a glimpse of the process of graffiti artist from around the world. Both by Tristan Manco- the first book is called Street Sketchbook: Inside the Journals of International Street and Graffiti Artists (2007) and the recently released Street Sketchbook Journeys.Street Sketchbook Journeys takes us from the Flavelas in Brazil to the back alleys in Tokyo covering a variety of styles from the idea born in a sketchbook to the process and the ultimate installation unveiled in urban settings.

24.6.11

When you live in the desert and the temperatures sore over a hundred (or 45*c) you can either hole up in air-conditioned indoor spaces or embrace it and get wet- We spend every day in water (seems unnatural in a desert but none the less effective).

I took the monkeys to two different playgrounds that have water features- which here means soft squishy recycled plastic flooring- with fountain like water spouts.

Paseo Park

Mountain Ridge Park

We also went to our club where the water slides and 'other kids' factors are a huge draw.

Most morning we hang out by our pool and I get some quiet time to read- this is what I'm reading now

To make our pool more 'brother friendly' I try and stock it up with shoot 'em toys-

This weeks find (at Home Goods) was a set of inflatable rafts with water shooter features

And when we are all pruned up and do need to be indoors- we like to head to our library

22.6.11

This is a great love story. Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling trained for their roles to portray a couple for years. The director Derek Cianfrance had the two rent an apartment together, buy groceries and live on a small fixed budget to research their roles. The result is raw and real.

I always pull for the under dog and this story is no exception. I also believe that once you find love it doesn't just go away- You can't fall out of love with someone- You can have period of time where things are tough but that is why marriage vows say 'in good times and in bad'.

The film bounces back and forth between 'real' time where the couple have a daughter and have been married for a few years to when their love first blossomed.

The film was shot in 16mm for the flashbacks which gives it a dream like vintage vibe.

Have you seen Blue Valentine?

Click to read my reviews on two other Michelle Williams films: Mammoth